History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 86

Author: Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge
Publication date: 1922
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1767

USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 86

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Ole J. Flaw, a prosperous and energetic farmer of section 24, Vance Creek Township, was born in a log cabin on the place where he still resides, Feb. 7, 1879, the son of John O. and Christena (Lien) Flaw, early settlers. He was reared on the home place, attended the district school, and learned farming from his father. For several seasons he worked in the lumber woods. He was still in his youth when he took over the management of the home farm. He has continued the improvements started by his father and now has a good place in every respect. He successfully carries on general farming and dairying and has a good herd. Mr. Flaw is one of the popular men of the community, a good farmer and a good citizen, and he is already well along the road to success. He was married in Vance Creek Township Dec. 31, 1910, to Emma Saugstad, who was born in this township Jan. 1, 1890, the daughter of Arnt and Gundhild Saugstad. Mr. and Mrs. Flaw have four children : Gladys, born Oct. 8, 1911; Jennie, born March 2, 1913; Alfred, born Aug. 9, 1917, and Clarence, born Oct. 21, 1919.

Arnt E. Saugstad, who has lived for nearly forty years on section 12, Vance Creek Township, where he has developed a good farm, was born in Norway April 26, 1861, the son of Ingebret and Gertrude Lien, also natives of that country. The mother died when Arnt was a small boy and he was reared by his grandparents, Ingebret and Mary Saugstad, whose name he took. He attended school in his native land and became a farmer. In 1882, after reaching his majority, he came to America. Upon reaching Wisconsin he entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co., with headquarters at Prairie Farm Village, Barron County, and worked twelve winters in the lumber woods and one spring on the river drives. In the meantime he devoted his time to farming. In 1885 he secured 40 acres of wild land in section 12, Vance Creek Township, to which he later added 40 acres more, and still later another 40, making in all a farm of 120 acres. When he purchased it, it was all wild land. He put up a log cabin, cleared a small space, and started farming as best he could. Trips to Prairie Farm Village for supplies had to be made afoot. Tools and implements were few. Most of the work had to be done by hand. The first year he man- aged to get a cow, but it was not until later that he secured a yoke of oxen.

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JOHN O. FLAW AND FAMILY

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ARNT E. SAUGSTAD AND FAMILY

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Gradually as the result of hard work conditions improved. By industry and frugality, ably aided by his wife, and his children as they grew old enough, he has built up a good place. He has a pleasant and comfortable home, a good barn and other buildings, and a well-kept farm, with substantial fences and suitable equipment. He successfully carries on general farming and dairy- ing, and has an excellent herd of graded cattle. He is a representative citizen, going his way quietly in life, and doing his duty in every way as he sees it. He believes in everything that is good and wholesome, and has found his greatest pleasure in his home. Mr. Saugstad was married on July 19, 1884, to Gunhild Hoel, who was born in Norway, Nov. 12, 1856, the daughter of Ole and Hannah Hoel. The father brought the family to America in 1884. The mother died in Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Saugstad have eight children : Ole, Hannah, Ingeborg, Emma. Ida, Ingebret, Melvin and Anna. Ole lives in Vance Creek township. He married Olivia Olson, who died in February, 1920, leaving four children: Arnold, Clara, Eleanor and Floyd. Hannah married H. M. Heyer and lives in Clayton. They have six children: Olga, George, Esther, Alma, Florence and Harlan. Ingeborg died at the age of ten months. Emma married Ole J. Flaw of Vance Creek. They have four children : Gladys, Jennie, Alfred and Clarance. Ida grew to gracious young womanhood and died at the age of twenty. Ingebret has conducted the home farm for several years past. He was born and reared here, passed through the public schools, and learned farming from his father. He is one of the active, energetic young men of the community, taking his full share in the affairs of the town, and is well liked by all who know him. Melvin died at the age of nine months. Anna is at home. The family faith is that of the Nor- wegian Lutheran Church.

Fred Shafer, a Methodist circuit rider, who preached throughout this county, while developing a good farm in Section 34, Stanfold Township, was born at Albany, Green County, Wis., Feb. 22, 1856, the son of John and Julia Shafer. He was reared on the parental farm, and received his educa- tion in the neighboring schools, supplemented by home study. He early felt the call to religious duty, and while he continued a farmer all his life, he was an authorized local preacher and exhorter of the Methodist Episcopal denom- ination. In 1890 he came to Barron County and took a farm in Section 34, Stanfold Township. He put up a log cabin, started a clearing, and like the other settlers underwent with his family many sufferings, hardships and privations. Often he walked to Barron, five miles away, after supplies, bring- ing his purchases home on his back. He began farming with a cow, but soon after got a yoke of oxen and in time acquired a horse. Thus working early and late, assisted by his wife and children, he developed a good farm. Every Sunday he was away preaching. Early in the morning he would set out, afoot, in a two wheeled cart, or on horseback, to where some of the faithful had gathered, and in this way preached at one time or another in all parts of the county, and organized many classes. He was a man of sturdy physique and devout faith, and was much honored and reverenced for his worth and work. After a useful life of worthy accomplishment, he died Dec. 30, 1918, at the age of 63 years. His wife died thirteen days before at the age of forty-nine years. Mr. Shafer was first married, at Janesville, Wis., to Mary Tait, who died in Stanfold Township, Barron County, leaving five children; Allie, Frederick D., Walter, Susan and Mary. On March 17, 1892, at Rice Lake, Mr. Shafer married Mrs. Charlotte Weideman, who was born in Vernon County, Oct. 20, 1869, daughter of Daniel S. and Charlotte (Wakeman) Alderman. This union was blessed with eight children: Lottie, Hattie, Moses Leroy, James Franklin, Elsie Ellen, Violet Ruth, Elizabeth and Florence.

William Edgar Caswell, for many years a respected and honored resident of Section 12, Vance Creek Township, was born at Maiden Rock, Pierce County, this state, Jan. 6, 1861, the son of Peter Wellington Caswell and his

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good wife, Nancy Henry. The Caswell family in America dates back to the Revolution, while the Henry family, originally spelled Hendry, dates back to one of the passengers on the Mayflower. William Edgar was reared in Pierce County, attended the Maiden Rock schools, and thoroughly learned farming from his father. He farmed in his native county until 1895, when he came to Barron County, and located on Section 12, Vance Creek Township. This was all wild land, and no buildings had been erected. He put up a small cabin and started clearing the land. As time passed he prospered and built up a good place. Here he successfully carried on general farming until his death, Dec. 7, 1909. He was a man of many admirable qualities, a good citizen and a good farmer, whose especial delight was in his home and his family. Com- ing of pioneer stock, he had his part in the development of this region, and his memory is held in hallowed regard. A natural leader among his fellows, he did good work on the town board, and also served in other public positions of trust and responsibility. Mr. Caswell was married Dec. 27, 1895, to Carrie Lien, who was born in Norway, Sept. 29, 1872, the daughter of Ole and Guri (Wold) Lien, who came to this country, bringing their two children, Carrie and Anna (now of Eugene, Ore.), and settled first in Menomonie, where the mother died. Later the father brought the family to Barron County, and settled in Section 12, Vance Creek Township. They here developed a good farm. He married Emma Flaw, and by this union had three boys and one girl. He died on Oct. 11, 1908, at the age of 64 years. She is still living. Mr. Lien was a most estimable man in every respect, and was held in the highest regard. Mr. and Mrs. Caswell had five children: Gladys, Francis, Inez, Oscar and Allen. Mrs. Caswell is a gracious lady of many pleasant qualities and is noted for her hospitality.

James Franklyn Shafer, who owns a good farm of 100 acres in Section 12, Vance Creek Township, was born in Section 34, Stanfold Township, this county, on May 3, 1898, the son of Fred and Charlotte (Weideman) Shafer, early settlers. He was reared on the home farm, attended the schools of the neighborhood, and thoroughly mastered the work of farming. In 1920 he settled on the tract he now operates. He has a good place, with a comfortable home, good barns and other buildings, and well tilled acres. He successfully carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd. As a good citizen he takes his part in public affairs, and is regarded as one of the de- pendable men of the community. He was married on April 6, 1919, at Prairie Farm, to Gladys Caswell, born on the farm where she now lives, on July 19, 1896, the daughter of William Edgar and Carrie (Lien) Caswell. Mr. and Mrs. Shafer have two children: William Franklyn, born April 6, 1920, and Dorothy Evangeline, born Sept. 7, 1921.

John McAdams, deceased, formerly of Maple Grove Township, was born in Pennsylvania, and was there reared. As a young man he married Mary America, also a native of that state. He worked for several years as a miller in Indiana and in Missouri. In 1873 he came to this region, and secured a farm of 120 acres in Pepin County, this state. It was in 1874 that he came to Maple Grove Township, secured land, and devoted the remainder of his life to farming. He died in 1890 and his good wife survived until 1900. Mr. and Mrs. McAdams were the parents of nine children: Virginia (deceased), Sylvania, Thomas (deceased), Alvira, Mary, Sarah, Butler, Clara and Charles (adopted). The family faith is that of the United Brethern Church.

Charles McAdams, a prominent farmer of Maple Grove Township, Sec- tions 19, 23 and 30, west, was born in Indiana, Nov. 25, 1870, adopted son of John and Mary (America) McAdams. He was taken to Missouri as a baby, from there was brought to this state, and was reared to young manhood in the township where he now lives. He worked at farming and milling until 1890 when he purchased 80 acres in Section 19, Maple Grove Township. To this he has since added an eighty in Section 30, and an eighty in Section 23. Here he has erected a good set of buildings, and here he carries on general farming,

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stock raising and dairying, making a specialty of a herd of Guernsey cattle and Poland-China swine. He has taken an active part in the affairs of the community, has served for six years as member of the town board and for several terms as member of his school board. He and his family attend the Baptist Church and are liberal contributors to its support. Mr. McAdams was married Dec. 18, 1890, to Mary Parker, daughter of William Hamilton and Mary (Caanan) Parker, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Indiana. The father, who was a carpenter by trade, brought the family to Barron county in May, 1882, and bought 80 acres of wild railroad land in Section 17, Maple Grove Township, where he developed a good farm. He continued working at his trade, and erected many buildings in the county which still stand as a monument to the fidelity and skill with which he labored. He died in 1903 and his wife is still living on the place. In the Parker family there were five children : William L., James W., Nathan S., Addie, the wife of Ervie Carr, of Prairie Farm Township; and Mary, the wife of Charles McAdams. Mr. and Mrs. McAdams have four children: Minnie, born Jan. 29, 1892, now Mrs. Benjamin Conor; Carl, born Feb. 3, 1894; Claude, born Sept. 19, 1898, and Ruth, born Aug. 10, 1910.

Edson E. Goff, chief operator of the telephone office and station agent at Hillsdale Village, was born in Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, June 29, 1864, son of John D. and Miranda M. (Streeter) Goff, both now deceased. He received his early education in the district schools of Estherville, Iowa, and started his business career in 1882, as clerk in a general store at that place. In 1886 he took up railroad work with the B. C. R. & N., later absorbed by the Chicago & Rock Island. For seven years he was a brakeman and for three years baggageman and expressman. In 1897 he rented a farm near his native town. He first came to Barron County in 1899, and worked in a saw- mill in Maple Grove township. From here he went to Hayward, Wis., and was similarly employed for three years. Then, in 1903 he came back to Maple Grove Township, and bought eight acres in Section 31. Later he sold this and bought 30 acres in Prairie Farm Township. There he built a log house and barn, drilled a well, constructed fences, cleared the land, and carried on general farming. He became telephone operator in 1907 and station agent in 1910. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen. Mr. Goff was married April 7, 1893, to Lulu Deming, daughter of James and Eunice (Springer) Deming, natives of Ohio, who went to Bradley, South Dakota, and there farmed until their death. Mr. and Mrs. Goff have two sons, Frank E. and Charles L. Frank E. has a notable war record. He served 27 months, most of the time at the front, saw action in most of the big battles in which the American Expeditionary Force participated, qualified as an expert marks- man, and received a medal for bravery and distinguished heroism. He was born March 2, 1894, and received a good common school education. He en- listed May 8, 1917 at St. Paul, in Co. A, 16th Infantry, of the heroic First Division, and reached France almost with the first American troops there, June 13, 1917. He was discharged Sept. 25, 1919. He was married April 3, 1920, to Fernie Tubbs, daughter of Charles and May (Potter) Tubbs, of Sand Creek, Dunn County, Wis. Charles L. was born Oct. 10, 1896, was educated in the district schools, and is now a barber employed at Barron, in this county. The family is highly respected, and the home is noted for its hospitality and good cheer. The family faith is that of the Baptist Church. Charles W. Snyder, retired, now living in Hillsdale Village, was born in Marshall County, Indiana, July 30, 1864, son of Charles and Mary (Haynes) Snyder, natives of Ohio, who went to Indiana in the early fifties, and there spent the remainder of their lives, the father dying Nov. 18, 1888, and the mother, Sept. 23, 1899. The father was a carpenter. In the family there were five children: Hattie, Tillman, Mary (deceased), Theo (deceased), and Charles W. Charles W. attended the district school of his neighborhood, and as a young man took up farm work. It was in 1900 that he came to Maple Grove

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Township, and bought 80 acres in section 27, west, Maple Grove Township. He cleared the land, erected buildings, constructed fences, and carried on gen- eral farming, making a specialty of dairying with Durham cattle. In 1916 he retired and moved to the village. The son, Ernest, now carries on the home farm along the lines inaugurated by his father. Mr. Snyder has taken his share in the progress of the community, and while living on the farm served several years as a member of the school board of his district. He and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Snyder was married Aug. 30, 1885, to Rebecca Kitch, daughter of George and Mary (Stein) Kitch, na- tives respectively of Ohio and Germany, and for many years farmers in In- diana, where the mother died in April, 1871, and where the father is still living. There were seven children in the Kitch family: Elizabeth, Matthias, Michael, Emma (deceased), Nettie, Rebecca and Christina. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have six children. Earl O. was born Nov. 15, 1887, and lives at Rice Lake, this county. Elchard was born Nov. 16, 1889, and lives at Lodi, Wis. Effie L. was born April 9, 1892, and is the wife of Albert Ramsdel, of Rice Lake. Ernest was born Oct. 28, 1894, and as already mentioned, operates the home farm in Maple Grove Township. Alonzo was born Sept. 22, 1897, and is a merchant in Hillsdale Village. Harry was born Aug. 28, 1900, and is also a Hillsdale mer- chant in partnership with his brother, Alonzo.

Rev. Samuel R. Dunlop, pastor of the Baptist Church at Hillsdale, is one of the real leaders of the community, and has made his church a real influence for good throughout this part of the county. He came here in 1917, took up the work of the church, increased the efficiency of the various societies, mani- fested an especial influence in the Sunday School, and has been especially suc- cessful in his work among the young people. He was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, Jan. 28, 1887, the son of Richard J. and Elizabeth (Carroll) Dunlop, natives of Ireland, who now live in Canada. He received his early education in Ireland, took a classical course in the Ripon College at Ripon, Wis., and his theological course at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. He was ordained at Hillsdale in 1921. In 1914 he took charge of the Baptist Church at Green- wood, Clark County, this state, and in 1916 went to Wild Rose, in Waushara County, this state, where he occupied the pulpit of the Baptist church for one year. As already noted, he came to Hillsdale in 1917. Rev. Mr. Dunlop was married Dec. 13, 1917, to Hazel Becker, daughter of William H. and Charlotte (Clark) Becker, of Poy Sippi, Wis., where they still reside. Mrs. Dunlop is an ideal pastor's wife and has proved an able helpmate of her husband in all his undertakings.

Ole Severtson Moen, a venerable and respected early settler, of Section 24, Vance Creek Township, who passed away July 10, 1921, at the good old age of 80 years, was born in Norway, April 19, 1841, and was there reared, educated, grew to manhood, and learned farming and the carpenter trade. He was mar- ried April 20, 1870, to Carrie Mickelsdatter Runig, who was born in the same parish, Oct. 13, 1841, and is still living on the old farm. One child, Severt, was born in that country. In 1872, Mr. Moen brought his family to America, making the trip on money he had borrowed from relatives and friends. In due time he reached Menomonie, in Dunn County, this state, and there found employment during the summer in the lumber mills there. In the fall he came to what is now Vance Creek Township, and took a homestead of 160 acres in Section 24, making the trip with a hired team. No roads had been cut to the place, and the family and their goods were unloaded some two miles from their destina- tion and he and his wife made the rest of the journey on foot, bringing the son in their arms. The first winter they spent with John Flaw, a neighbor. Then he put up a log cabin and the family moved into it. They soon bought a cow. The first calf was broken to harness, and this, three years later, was traded for a pair of two year old steers. Mr. Moen brought in provisions on his back from Prairie Farm. For some seven winters he continued to work in the logging camps, leaving his wife to look after things at home. She looked

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MR. AND MRS. OLE S. MOEN SEVERT O. MOEN

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after the household duties and the children, attended to the chores, and on her spinning wheel spun yarn from which she knit socks, caps and mittens. Gradually Mr. Moen built up a good place. He erected a good set of buildings, and cleared and developed the land, put up strong fences, and purchased suit- able stock and equipment. There for many years he successfully carried on general farming. He was much interested in the Norwegian Lutheran congre- gation, and helped to build the church at Prairie Farm Village. April 20, 1920, he and his wife celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary. Their relatives and friends gathered at their home to congratulate them on their half century of happy married life, and presented them with many valuable gifts. Aside from the son, Severt, already mentioned, there was one other child, Karrie, now deceased.

Severt O. Moen, a representative citizen of Section 24, Vance Creek Town- ship, was born in Norway, Nov. 7, 1869, the son of Ole S. and Carrie (Mikels- datter Runig) Moen, who brought him to his present farm when he was an infant. He attended school in the neighborhood, was reared on the home place, and thoroughly learned farming from his father. For seven seasons he spent his winters in the lumber woods. Gradually he assumed the responsibility of the home place, and in 1906 took it over. He has renovated and repaired the home, has put up a new barn, and constructed other buildings. He success- fully carries on general farming and dairying along the latest approved lines, and has some good stock. He is experimenting in raising bees. He became interested when a swarm of wild bees lighted in his yard, and from this swarm he has developed five good colonies. Mr. Moen is a prominent man in his com- munity and is highly regarded by all. He was one of the town board for sev- eral years and has also been school treasurer. The Norwegian Lutheran Church at Prairie Farm has found in him a loyal and ardent supporter.

George Maskal, a hard working and resourceful man who has built up a fine farm from the wilderness in Section 9, Vance Creek Township, and has won success under hardships which would have discouraged many, is a native of Hungary, born May 18, 1877. His parents were worthy people, but very poor, and suffering from the injustices of the system of government which then prevailed there. He therefore had but little opportunity for an educa- tion, and early had to go to work to help out the family income. His dream from boyhood was to come to the wonderful America of which he had heard so much. Accordingly, he saved his humble earnings, and at the age of nineteen was able to set out. He landed without money, so for a month worked in Penn- sylvania, and replenished his pocketbook. Then he continued his journey to Minneapolis, Minn. For a while he worked about at anything that he could find to do. Among other jobs he worked nine seasons in the lumber woods. In 1899 he secured 40 acres of land in Section 9, Vance Creek Township. This tract was all wild and covered with brush. As time permitted, at intervals be- tween his other work, he started to clear it. He owned a pair of scrub horses in partnership with his brother, John, and hauled logs for the mill at Moon Lake in order to earn the lumber for his house. His barn he made from logs. To this little farm in the brush, he brought his bride. At first they had but little to do with. Provisions had to be brought from far away points. Some- times he made the long trip through the woods from the store at Maple Leaf with 100 pounds of flour on his back. For several years he continued to work away from home at intervals. When the ground froze, he would stock the lit- tle house with a few provisions, make his wife and children as comfortable as possible, and go to the cities to find work. In the middle of the winter he would return and cut wood for the family. Then he would seek outside work again, and when the summer months came on, return and cut hay for the cows and do a little clearing and farming. Thus he worked hard, and gradually achieved success. He now has a well improved place and successfully carries on general farming and dairying. To the original tract he had added 40 more acres. One acre of his land he has given to the John Wiess Cheese Factory, in

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order that the community might have the benefits which such an establishment would bring. Mr. Maskal was married at Minneapolis, May 18, 1902, to Mary Zbihely, also a native of Hungary. This union has been blessed with a fine family of six children: George, Mary, Andrew, John, Helen and Elizabeth. The family religion is that of the Orthodox Russian Church.

Alonzo Snyder and Harry Snyder, of the Snyder Brothers Mercantile Co., general merchants of Hillsdale Village, were born in Plymouth, Indiana, Sept, 22, 1897, and Aug. 28, 1900, respectively, the sons of Charles W. and Rebecca (Kitch) Snyder. They were brought to Maple Grove Township by their par- ents and were here reared and educated. In 1914, Alonzo became a clerk in the store of P. M. L. Nelson, a prominent merchant of Hillsdale Village at that time. In 1918, Harry also became a clerk in the same store. The two brothers formed a partnership in 1920, under the name of the Snyder Brothers Mercan- tile Co., and bought out Mr. Nelson. They carry a full line of goods valued at nearly $20,000, and are well along the highway to success. The village is ex- cellently located in regard to the rich farming and dairying districts of south- ern Barron County and northern Dunn County, and the young men are attract- ing a good trade by the excellence of their goods, the honesty of their meth- ods and the courtesy of their bearing. Alonzo Snyder was married Oct. 6, 1915, to Ida May Smith, daughter of Ebner and Alice (Bowls) Smith, natives of Penn- sylvania, who now reside in Barron City, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Snyder have two children, Naomi A. and Jack B. Harry Snyder was married Feb. 12, 1920, to Winnie Barton, daughter of Isaac and Mollie (McAdams) Barton, who farmed in Maple Grove Township until 1916, and now live in Hillsdale, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Snyder have one son, Keith, born April 7, 1921.

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 86

Author: Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge Publication date: 1922 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1767

Author: Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge
Publication date: 1922
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1767